The 2025 Eagles season wrapped up recently in a close NFC Wild Card game against the 49ers. The final score was 23-19, with a last-gasp effort from quarterback Jalen Hurts falling short.
Let’s dive into some key takeaways from this game.
First Half Promises, Second Half Struggles
The Eagles started strong, ending the first half ahead 13-10. They showed creativity in play-calling, mixing runs and short passes effectively. Hurts connected well with Dallas Goedert, who scored a touchdown early in the game. The Eagles achieved solid momentum with impressive drives—one lasting 16 plays and covering 94 yards.
However, things took a turn in the second half. The team committed costly penalties and couldn’t turn opportunities into touchdowns. Although they scored two field goals from interception returns, it wasn’t enough to maintain their lead.
With just under eight minutes left, the Eagles briefly regained the lead at 19-17. But the 49ers quickly responded, scoring a touchdown and leaving the Eagles with one last chance. Unfortunately, Hurts’ fourth-down pass fell incomplete.
Barkley’s Strong Start, Early Fade
Running back Saquon Barkley had a solid start, rushing for 106 yards, including a notable 29-yard gain. But most of his yardage came in the first half, and in the second half, the 49ers managed to contain him effectively. This shift had a significant impact, especially given the game’s windy conditions, which made passing difficult.
Quinyon Mitchell’s Unusual Stats
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell made a remarkable statement with two interceptions in this game, despite not having any in the regular season. Historically, he’s shown up in playoffs, snagging four interceptions in five playoff games, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.
49ers’ Creative Play-Calling
San Francisco capitalized on innovative plays. They executed a trick play where running back Christian McCaffrey caught a touchdown pass from former quarterback Jauan Jennings. This creativity helped them keep the Eagles’ defense on its toes.
Critical Third-Down Conversions
A key statistic was the performance on third downs. The 49ers excelled, converting 6 out of 11 attempts. Each successful conversion added to their momentum, while the Eagles struggled, managing only 5 successful third-down conversions out of 16 tries. This struggle was crucial, particularly as the Eagles fell short in their clutch moments.
Penalties Were Costly
Penalties played a significant role in this match. The Eagles faced seven penalties, which set them back a total of 48 yards. In contrast, the 49ers faced only one penalty, reflecting their disciplined play. These penalties hindered the Eagles, disrupting their rhythm and adding unnecessary pressure during critical moments.
Conclusion
Overall, the Eagles showed potential but faltered in vital moments, particularly in the second half. As they reflect on this season, addressing the issues of discipline and execution will be crucial if they aim for success in the future.
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